The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said 27-year-old Eli Kepsel was reported missing by a family member on the morning of Monday, December 10.
Kepsel was snowboarding on Mt. Ashland Sunday.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office officials said his family got concerned when he didn’t show up to work Monday morning.
“That was the first alert that he was missing,” said JCSO Sergeant Shawn Richards, “the family immediately got in touch with the ski hill and us, and we started to search for him.”
Kepsel was reported to be alone, Sgt. Richards said he’s hopeful they’ll find him. His vehicle was found parked in the Mt. Ashland Ski Area parking lot.
“We’re fairly certain that he’s here. Ski patrol, the first thing they did was check their borders and followed any tracks out of there,” Sgt. Richards said.
Crews are actively searching for Kepsel on likely routes and beyond the ski area, prompting a reminder to skiers and snowboarders to stay safe on the slopes.
“Make sure your loved ones, your friends, your family know where you’re at and know when you’ll be back,” said Mt. Ashland Ski Area marketing coordinator Amy Schlotterback. “Be really cognizant of where you’re going and make sure you stay within the ski area boundaries.”
He is described as 5’9” tall, weighing about 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. His snowboard has a blue bottom and his coat is bright yellow-green.
Anyone who may have seen Kepsel since Sunday morning is asked to call JCSO at 541-776-7206.
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